DNA Structure and Replication

Jessica Harwood
Douglas Wilkin, Ph.D.

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AUTHORS
Jessica Harwood
Douglas Wilkin, Ph.D.
EDITOR
Douglas Wilkin, Ph.D.

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Printed: November 9, 2015

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Doris Kraus, Ph.D.
Niamh Gray-Wilson
Jean Brainard, Ph.D.
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Jane Willan
Corliss Karasov

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C HAPTER

Chapter 1. DNA Structure and Replication

DNA Structure and

Replication

Explain why DNA must replicate itself.

Describe the process of DNA replication.
Explain the meaning of semiconservative replication.

Does DNA copy itself?

Yes, your DNA needs to copy itself every time a new cell is created. The new cell needs to have DNA exactly like
the rest of your cells. Otherwise, that cell might malfunction. Thats why its important that the process of copying
DNA, called DNA replication, is very accurate.
DNA Replication

DNA must replicate (copy) itself so that each resulting cell after mitosis and cell division has the same DNA as the
parent cell. All these cells, the parent cell and the two new daughter cells, are genetically identical.
DNA replication occurs during the S phase (the Synthesis phase) of the cell cycle, before mitosis and cell division.
The base pairing rules are crucial for the process of replication. DNA replication occurs when DNA is copied to
form an identical molecule of DNA.
The general steps involved in DNA replication are as follows:
1. The DNA helix unwinds like a zipper as the bonds between the base pairs are broken. The enzyme DNA
Helicase is involved in breaking these bonds.
2. The two single strands of DNA then each serve as a template for a new stand to be created. Using DNA as a
template means that on the new strand, the bases are placed in the correct order because of the base pairing
rules. Recall that A and T are complementary bases, as are G and C. As a template strand is read, the new
strand is created. If ATGCCA is on the "template strand," then TACGGT will be on the new DNA strand. The
enzyme DNA Polymerase reads the template and builds the new strand of DNA.
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3. The new set of nucleotides then join together to form a new strand of DNA. The process results in two DNA
molecules, each with one old strand and one new strand of DNA.
This process is known as semiconservative replication because one strand is conserved (kept the same) in each new
DNA molecule ( Figure 1.1).

FIGURE 1.1
DNA replication occurs when the DNA strands unzip, and the original
strands of DNA serve as a template for new nucleotides to join and form a
new strand.

Summary

During DNA replication, the DNA helix unwinds and the two single strands of DNA then each serve as a
template for a new stand to be created.
DNA replication is semi-conservative: the new DNA molecule consists of half of the parent DNA molecule.
Explore More

Use the resource below to answer the questions that follow.

DNA replication at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqESR7E4b_8 (7:47)

MEDIA
Click image to the left or use the URL below.
URL: http://www.ck12.org/flx/render/embeddedobject/57304

1. What protein molecules does DNA wrap around to form a nucleosome?

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Chapter 1. DNA Structure and Replication

2. What makes up chromatin?

3. When can you see chromosomes in a cell?
4. Are both strands of DNA copied continuously during replication? Explain your answer.
Review

1. Describe how DNA is replicated.

2. Explain why DNA replication is sometimes called semiconservative.

References
1. Zachary Wilson. Diagram of DNA replication . CC BY-NC 3.0